Nov. 20, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Head Softball Coach Joyce Compton announces the signing of two South Carolina prospects, Byrnes High School’s Briana Hamilton and Wade Hampton High School’s Hannah Milks, to National Letters of Intent today. The duo will join the squad in the fall of 2009 in time to prepare for the 2010 season.

Hamilton, a shortstop at Byrnes, participated in the 2007 adidas Futures National Camp alongside current Gamecock Evan Childs. Hamilton earned all-state honors in 2006 and all-region accolades in both 2005 and 2006, taking home the Region II-4A Player of the Year award in 2006. The Rebels have captured three-consecutive upper state and district crowns with Hamilton and captured the 2005 4A state title. Hamilton played travel ball with the Georgia Knockouts, who finished third at the 18U Independence Day in Colorado. Hamilton also was recently voted as homecoming queen at Byrnes this fall.

Milks earned 3A all-state accolades in 2008 from the South Carolina Coaches Association of Women’s Sports. She hit .568 and stole 16 bases for Wade Hampton last season. A player in the SCCAWS North/South All-Star game in 2008, Milks played travel ball with the Carolina Elite group.

“We are excited about adding two South Carolina players to our recruiting class,” said Compton. “They both will help with their speed and versatility.”

The Gamecocks open the 2009 campaign on Sat., Feb. 7 with a doubleheader against the College of Charleston at Beckham Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.